Sink your fork into a plate of savory comfort with these One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles. Juicy, perfectly seared steak cubes team up with rich, creamy garlic noodles for a meal that’s both indulgent and incredibly simple to whip up. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish delivers restaurant-worthy flavor in under 30 minutes.
What makes this dish a standout is its harmony of textures and flavors—the seared crust on the steak contrasts the silky sauce coating the noodles. And the best part? Everything comes together in one pan, meaning less mess and more time enjoying every bite.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To bring this dish to life, a few key kitchen tools will make your process seamless:
- Heavy-duty skillet or cast-iron pan: Essential for getting that gorgeous sear on the steak bites. A good pan helps retain high heat and cook meat evenly.
- Tongs: Allows for easy flipping of steak cubes without losing juices.
- Medium saucepan: Perfect for boiling and prepping the noodles while the steak cooks.
- Microplane or garlic press: Ensures fine mincing of garlic to blend seamlessly into the butter sauce.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Gentle on your cookware while stirring sauces to creamy perfection.
Having these tools at the ready helps streamline the prep and cooking process, keeping your focus on flavor and technique.
Ingredients for the One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles
- Sirloin steak: This cut is tender and flavorful, making it ideal for quick, high-heat cooking like searing.
- Salted butter: Adds richness to the garlic sauce and helps brown the steak bites.
- Minced garlic: The core of the flavor profile—aromatic, savory, and comforting.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious, creamy texture for the noodles.
- Parmesan cheese: Sharp, salty, and melty—essential for the cheesy finish.
- Rotini or fusilli pasta: The spirals hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Paprika and black pepper: Add subtle warmth and depth to the dish.
- Fresh parsley: Optional but adds a bright, fresh finish for contrast.


How To Make the One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles
Step 1: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a pat of butter. Once melted and sizzling, add your seasoned steak cubes in a single layer. Sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt more butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about 1 minute. Then, pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Boil rotini pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for the sauce.
Step 4: Combine and Cheese It Up
Add the drained pasta into the garlic cream sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese gradually until melted and creamy. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 5: Bring It Together
Return the seared steak bites to the pan, nestling them over the cheesy noodles. Garnish with cracked pepper and parsley, and serve hot.
How to Serve and Store One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles
Serve these steak bites and noodles hot off the skillet for maximum flavor and texture. They’re perfect as a main dish alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies. For an extra touch, drizzle a bit more melted butter or sprinkle extra Parmesan before serving.
To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely and place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the steak bites tender?
Avoid overcooking. Sear on high heat for a short time and let them rest before combining with the noodles.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, ribeye or New York strip work great. Just make sure it’s a tender cut for best results.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and a little cream cheese, but the sauce may be slightly less rich.
Can I make it ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the steak and sauce ahead separately and combine just before serving.
What vegetables pair well with this dish?
Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or sautéed spinach make tasty and balanced sides.
Can I freeze it?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well as they can separate. It’s best to store it in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.
Want More Steak Dinner Ideas?
If you’re loving the bold flavors in these One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles, here are more recipes from my kitchen that you’ll want to try next:
- Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini: A sweet and savory twist on steak pasta.
- Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake: For those who crave creamy spice.
- One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta: A perfect weeknight dinner with big garlic flavor.
- One-Pan Creamy Cajun Honey Garlic Steak Pasta: A fusion of spice and richness in one satisfying meal.
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Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go heavy on the garlic or maybe toss in some mushrooms? I love hearing your delicious twists and tips.


One-Pan Steak Bites & Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Juicy, seared steak bites paired with creamy, cheesy garlic butter noodles—all made in one pan! This comforting dinner is ready in under 30 minutes and packed with bold, savory flavors that satisfy every craving.
Ingredients
1 pound sirloin steak, cut into cubes
3 tablespoons salted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon butter.
2. Season steak cubes with paprika and black pepper, then sear in the skillet for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Lower heat to medium, add remaining butter, and stir in minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
5. Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
6. Stir cooked pasta into the garlic cream sauce.
7. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Thin the sauce with pasta water if needed.
8. Return steak bites to the skillet and nestle over the noodles.
9. Garnish with parsley and extra black pepper. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor—it makes a big difference.
Don’t overcrowd the steak in the skillet; work in batches for an even sear.
Want more garlic kick? Add one extra clove during the sauce step.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: steak bites, garlic butter pasta, one-pan dinner
